Date

2006

Author

Özdemir, Esra

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Although geometry is important area in the mathematics curriculum, evidence from numerous research studies makes it clear that many students’ geometrical understanding is not at the level they need or are expected to be, especially in Turkey. The project-based learning approach offered to be one of the most effective learning tools to provide for the students an environment in which they can reach their own conclusions instead of just lecturing them, in the new mathematics curriculum in Turkey. In this study, the effects of project-based learning on the 7th grade students’ achievement in geometry and these students’ attitude towards geometry were examined. This study was conducted with a group of 24 seventh grade students in the Bilim College during the last five weeks of the 2004-2005 academic year. One group pre-test and post-test design was used. The instruments used for data collection are as follows: polygon, circle and cylinder achievement tests, geometry attitude scales, student survey forms, teacher’s observation scales, and interviews. The data obtained was analyzed by a paired-sample t-test. The results from achievement tests and attitude scale indicated that project-based learning increased students’ geometry achievement and attitudes toward geometry, respectively. The student survey form and interview responses of the students, teacher’s observation form responses of the teachers and the observation of the researcher also suggest that project-based learning increased their achievement in and their attitudes towards geometry as a result of making their own models, dealing with authentic daily life problems, determining the dimensions and the areas by trial and error. Moreover, this study helped grasp the attention and increase the desire to study particularly of those students with high capacity who performed unsatisfactorily due to their inclination to get distracted during classes. Providing those who were easily distracted and used every chance to disrupt the lectures with the opportunity to engage in something they could see as their own project brought about favorable results.

Subject Keywords

Primary Education.

URI

http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/3/12607166/index.pdf
https://hdl.handle.net/11511/15935

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis